If you’ve been on the internet or social media recently, you may have seen a lot of talk about the Roman Empire. Many people are asking men the infamous question, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” The answers are nothing short of fascinating.
The responses have ranged from “never” to “once a day.” The fact that anyone is even giving the Roman Empire thought was enough to catch my attention. What is it about the Roman Empire that seems to be appealing enough for men to think about it?
As a History major, I was very intrigued to see anyone — let alone men — outside my field of study so passionate about what I’d consider a crucial part of history. However, when the trend was explained to me, I realized I may have spoken too soon. I thought pretty highly about the capabilities of the male brain but should’ve lowered my expectations. Rather than thinking about the Roman Empire in terms of political or philosophical contributions (where my mind goes), men are associating the Roman Empire with gladiators and violence.
At first, I didn’t believe this to be true. I couldn’t fathom that this Roman Empire trend was anything but a joke men were trying to pull on the ladies. So, I took the reigns and called my boyfriend, asking him the important question. “Maybe once a week,” he replied. He wasn’t familiar with the trend. Without my prodding, he added, “Like gladiators and stuff.”
He also noted that he knew of Julius Caesar. While technically Caesar’s reign was before the Roman Empire began, I didn’t mention it. Rather, I asked if he knew what the First Triumvirate was. His silence told me all I needed to know: there is little beyond the name of Caesar and gladiators that men associate with Rome.
I couldn’t have asked for a better conversation. This was all I needed to prove the strange trend that has been circulating. However, it sent me into a frenzy. I needed to figure out the “why.”
Trying to figure out what is within a man’s mind is no easy task. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to come up with a clear answer. My guess, however, is that men are infatuated with other men. To put this into perspective: have you ever thought about why men rev the engines of their cars even though you haven’t met a single woman who thinks it is anything other than annoying? Men aren’t putting on a show for us — they are doing it for the attention of other men.
In terms of this trend, this means men are likely obsessed with the idea of idolizing and fighting other men. Fighting another man to the death is something they’ve probably been fixated on since they were kids. And the worst part is that this isn’t too surprising. Turning back time to go to the early days of patriarchy likely has its appeal to them.
While I’m learning about ancient Rome in class or watching Netflix’s Roman Empire docuseries, men are daydreaming about swords and spears. However, there are many interesting points in Roman history outside of gladiators and Julius Caesar. I’d recommend sitting down with your best male friend and watching a documentary about the Roman Empire. After all, if they are going to think about the Roman Empire, they might as well have more to think about!
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